Ittsam Khalid is a Yemeni citizen living in Addis Ababa. She is among the many migrants who had the chance to attend the annual Iftar dinner program hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in honor of refugees from various countries and held at the newly renovated National Palace.
In her exclusive interview with ENA, Ittsam said that Yemeni migrants in Ethiopia are enjoying the month of Ramadan with their fellow Ethiopian Muslim brothers and sisters. Despite the fact that she and her friends are marking the Month of Ramadan far from their homeland, the warm and welcoming environment they are receiving from Ethiopians, both from Christian and Muslim communities, is so great that it makes them feel at home other than they are in a foreign country.
According to her, this hospitality is expressed in various forms. The Iftar program, which was hosted by the Prime Minister, is a good indication of how Ethiopians are dedicated to serving their migrant brothers and sisters. Appreciating the efforts of the Prime Minister, Ittsam said, “Prime Minister Abiy’s Iftar program has made us feel like we are at home.”
The other migrant who happened to be in Ethiopia because of the conflict in her home country, Iraq, is Ismah Issam. According to Ismah, the political situation in her home country forced her and others to flee and seek shelter in Ethiopia. Despite the fact that she is far from her homeland, Ismah is uplifting her spirit by observing the month of Ramadan in Ethiopia.
The respect she receives from the Ethiopian people and the Iftar program organized by the Prime Minister has left a lasting impression on her heart.
Jamil Besem is a Syrian refugee living in Ethiopia. According to him, Ethiopians are truly hospitable and kind people who never refrain from sharing their love and kindness with refugees. The Iftar program, which was held at the National Palace, is a demonstration of Ethiopians’ solidarity and respect for refugees, said Jamil.
“Ethiopians are hospitable people who respect their culture and give value to the culture of others as well. They have compassionate hearts towards all refugees. I am a firsthand witness to this. For instance, we are now in the holy month of Ramadan and every Muslim in Ethiopia is enjoying the fasting season sharing meals and love. As a refugee living in a foreign land, I should feel sadness in the month of Ramadan; but the love and respect I receive from my Ethiopian brothers and sisters have filled me with positive energy, making me feel as though I am at home.”
Seconding the view of Jamil, Nejat Hussein, a Sudanese migrant also said that Ethiopia is a land of hospitality that provides proper protection and care to all refugees.
Undeniably, Ethiopia is not only a mosaic of culture where people from diverse backgrounds- ethnicity, religion, cultural- live in harmony and entertain their distinct value systems; it is also a land of refugees that provides all forms of protection and care. Ethiopians are not providing support and protection to migrants because they have extra resources or money, but because of their deep sense of humanity. This humanity is emanates from the fact that every Ethiopian believes all humans deserve protection.
As indicated by Refugees and Returnees Service Director General Teyiba Hassan, currently, there are more than 1.2 million refugees in Ethiopia and this makes the country among leading nations in hosting a large number of refugees. These migrants came to Ethiopia from different parts of the world looking for protection and, Ethiopia is doing all its level best to fill their gaps they may have lost in the process of migration.
This protection is manifesting itself in various forms. For instance, recently, refugees from 12 different countries participated in the Iftar program, which was held at the National Palace, organized by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). He explained that this is a practical demonstration of the virtues Ethiopia is known for all over the world.
Iftar dinner programs were also held across various institutions and states, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for members of the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa, the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, the Ethiopian Press Agency, as well as in Benishangul Gumuz State and Dire Dawa City Administration in a way fostering respect, solidarity, and a sense of togetherness between and among communities with diverse backgrounds.
Speaking at the Iftar dinner organized by the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI), Institute’s Director General Abdissa Yilma emphasized the importance of fostering brotherhood through activities that promote mutual support during the holy month of Ramadan, a time dedicated to fasting and various religious observances, including prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
According to him, Ramadan is a season devoted to cultivating kindness, forgiveness, and lending a helping hand to those in need, reinforcing essential human values. The Director General further reiterated the importance of collaborating for the prosperity and peace of the country by engaging in activities that enhance solidarity among individuals and communities.
Participants at the Iftar program also stated that the event helps to strengthen solidarity by fostering closeness and understanding among employees. This sentiment aligns with the program’s overarching goal of not only celebrating the spirit of Ramadan but also building a more cohesive and supportive work environment, as reported by the Institute.
In a related development, Benishangul-Gumuz State organized a meal sharing program for close to 200 low-income individuals in Assosa Town following the annual fasting periods of Abiy Tsom (The Great Lent) and Ramadan observed by the devotees of the Ethiopian Christian and Muslim communities, respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Head of State Ashadli Hassan said that the initiative was organized in recognition of the fasting seasons of both Christianity and Islam to further strengthen the culture of supporting the underprivileged members of the community. The Head emphasized that the program was designed to reinforce a sense of solidarity among diverse religious communities, cultivate a sense of togetherness, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and support during significant cultural and religious periods.
According to State’s Communication Bureau, during the event, beneficiaries received essential food items, including sugar, flour, and edible oil, which are staples in many households. The support package, valued at a significant 500 thousand birr, was not merely a provision of food but a reminder of the collective responsibility to uplift one another, particularly in challenging economic times.
Ashadli reiterated that such initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring that no family feels isolated or unsupported, especially during fasting season such as Abiy Tsom and Ramadan.
Moreover, this program stands as a model for similar initiatives throughout the country. By bridging cultural and religious divides, it contributes to a more cohesive society where every individual feels valued, regardless of their economic status.
As Ethiopia continues to navigate the challenges posed by economic disparities, programs like this one highlight the importance of collective action and the role of community leaders in driving change. Future initiatives could amplify these efforts by engaging local businesses and organizations to provide ongoing support, thereby enhancing the sustainability of such community-building endeavors.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2025
